New Skipper show date ‘light at end of Covid-19 tunnel’

NEW dates have been set for Scottish Skipper Expo 2020 following its postponement due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The show will now go ahead from November 13-14, 2020, at the P & J Live arena in Aberdeen, said organisers Mara Media.

Sharon Boyle of Mara Media said: ‘The feedback we received was that there was a real desire for the Scottish Skipper Expo to go ahead this year, and the new November dates will provide the fishing industry with a showcase event to look forward to, which will reinvigorate the sector and the numerous businesses which support it.’

Elspeth Macdonald, CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: ‘Postponing the Scottish Skipper Expo scheduled for May in Aberdeen was the right and responsible decision.

‘As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, the fishing industry, like many others, is having to deal with difficult and uncertain circumstances, and the weeks and months ahead will not be easy for many involved.

‘We must look forward, however, to better days ahead, and I am very hopeful that this proud industry will regroup and regather again at the rescheduled expo in November, where we can all be optimistic for the future.’

Simon Potten, head of Training, Safety and Services at industry body Seafish, said: ‘I’m really pleased to hear that this year’s Scottish Skipper Expo has been rearranged for November.

‘This is welcome news at a time when the fishing industry is really struggling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Having Scottish Skipper Expo to look forward to in November is a light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel.

‘The Skipper Expo in Aberdeen is always a great event and an opportunity for our fantastic industry to showcase itself and network.’